When I pray, the image of clasping my right hand with the right hand of the Risen Lord Jesus often comes to mind. This symbol holds a lot for me. United with Christ, how am I to be in my complex web of relationships?

Sometimes I need to speak up, saying or asking something that is potentially very awkward. I did this yesterday and although an uncomfortable conversation resulted within five minutes more information was given that moved our relationship to a more authentic one. When I told a friend about this, she responded, "So, it was good that that happened." That, being the initial offense, awkward confrontation, difficult, short conversation that resulted in the truth-telling, needing to occur.

At other times, I believe I am called to rest and recreate. There are many, many things in my life that are beneficial, pleasant, or maybe just ordinary and almost dull. I can live amongst those experiences, too. I do not always need to be working on clarifying this relationship or that.

From Psalm 91 with some minor adjustments:

She shall call upon me, and I will answer her;I am with her in trouble;I will rescue her and bring her to honor.